January 18, 2018

Confidence Boosters

Confidence Boosters

Are fine lines, wrinkles or loss of facial volume preventing you from looking as young as you feel? If so, you’re not alone, which is why injectables continue to be the most-requested aesthetic treatment performed. But many people still don’t know the difference between fillers and Botox.

Here’s the lowdown on each—and how they can refresh your appearance and boost your confidence year round.

Juvéderm

Juvéderm began as one hyaluronic acid filler but has grown into a family of three different products designed to meet different needs. Each Juvéderm filler is comprised of different particle sizes, and the one recommended for you depends on where it will be used to add volume.

Volbella: The newest addition to the Juvéderm family, Volbella contains the smallest particles of hyaluronic acid, making it ideal for enhancing the lips and the fine lines surrounding the lips. Volbella results generally last up to a year. We like it because there is minimal swelling after the injection.

Juvéderm: The original Juvéderm is comprised of mid-size hyaluronic acid, and it is most commonly used to smooth the appearance of the nasolabial folds (the “parentheses” on the sides on the mouth) and marionette lines (the furrows that run from the sides of the mouth down to the chin). Juvéderm generally lasts for up to a year, depending on the amount of facial movement in the area it is placed.

Voluma: With the largest particles of hyaluronic acid, Voluma is best for restoring volume to the midface. When injected over the cheekbones, it can also help lift the skin and minimize the appearance of nasolabial folds. Voluma results can last for up to two years.

Botox

Unlike injectable fillers that are used to restore lost volume and shape the contours of the face, Botox is used to relax the muscles that cause motion-related lines and wrinkles for up to three months. Comprised of a purified form of botulinum toxin, Botox has a proven safety record since it received FDA approval for smoothing the appearance of the frown lines between the eyebrows in 2002. Today, Botox is most often used to improve frown lines, crow’s feet and horizontal lines on the forehead, however, we use Botox off-label to treat other concerns ranging from vertical bands on the neck, a gummy smile, a drooping nasal tip and much more.

Comprehensive treatment

Juvéderm and Botox are wonderful on their own, but we create even better results by using these products together to address multiple causes of visible signs of aging. Replacing lost volume and minimizing muscle movement are a one-two punch against wrinkles and mild sagging—and these injectables may also help prevent the progression of age-related changes. Regular Botox injections can prevent lines from becoming “etched” into the skin, and studies have shown that hyaluronic acid fillers may actually prompt your skin to produce more of its own collagen and hyaluronic acid, which are abundant in youthful skin.